Heart failure in dogs is a condition which occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood through the dog's body at levels that are required by the body’s organs. Heart failure in dogs can occur due to a number of reasons: old age, injury to the heart, abnormalities within the heart’s structures, or inherited heart conditions which eventually progress to heart failure.
Dog owners can take steps to combat other conditions that may contribute to or exacerbate heart failure. For example, heartworm infection can contribute to congestive heart failure. In areas where heartworm is prevalent, keeping dogs on a regular course of heartworm medication can help reduce the impact of such infections on future heart disease.
Heart failure in dogs is one of the most serious problems that can afflict a dog. Since many forms of the disease can’t really be prevented, it’s important that owners recognize the warning signs so that treatment can begin immediately. The onset of heart disease is often accompanied by subtle behavioral changes as well as more obvious physical symptoms.
Treating heart failure first requires immediate stabilization of the dog. This typically involves efforts to reduce fluid retention without causing dehydration or low blood pressure (both of these can contribute to kidney failure).